The women listed come from technology, political, business, finance, media/entertainment, and philanthropic industries. More than half of the powerhouses are from the Americas (58), while Asian and Southeast Asian makes the second strongest appearance, represented by about a quarter of the list (23). Nine of the women run nations, 28 reign over major corporations as CEOs, 13 are billionaires and 18 have founded their own companies or foundations.

Click through the gallery above to meet the world's most powerful women and the 12 amazing MAKERS on the list.